These locations better position AWS to connect with Asian members and customers by promoting AWS codes and standards in Asia, along with certification, membership, and online education.

The American Welding Society (AWS; Miami, FL), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science of welding, announced the opening of AWS Asia. The company is based in Hong Kong, China, with a second office in Beijing. AWS Asia will help serve AWS’ growing Asian market.

In early May, AWS purchased the World Engineering Xchange International Limited (WEX Asia) office in Hong Kong. That office, located at Technology Park, Unit 2508, 25/F, 18 On Lai Street, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, will now serve as AWS Asia’s headquarters and Yoanne Lau will lead as managing director of AWS Asia. Bob Wing, the chief executive officer of WEX, will assist with daily business operations, as well as the strategic planning of AWS Asia. Employees will be based in both Hong Kong and Beijing.

“The opening of our new office in Hong Kong puts AWS in a better position to connect with our Asian members and customers,” said Jeff Kamentz, the corporate director of international sales at the American Welding Society. “AWS Asia will not only promote AWS codes and standards in Asia, but all other AWS products including certification, membership, and online education.”

As part of the AWS Asia introduction, AWS is now offering standard D1.1/D1.1M:2008 Structural Welding Code – Steel, translated into Mandarin Chinese for the greatly reduced price of $130 rmb (US$20).

AWS Asia will exhibit at the Beijing Essen Welding and Cutting Fair, to be held on June 10th through the 13th at the 2014 New Chinese Exhibition Centre in Beijing. AWS and AWS Asia staff will be on hand to provide more information on the Society.